Alleged Defamation: Group Issues Legal Notice To VeryDarkMan Over Seyi Tinubu

By AZA MSUE, Kaduna

A group under the auspices of Future Platform-Diaspora Group has issued a legal notice to social media influencer Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, over alleged defamatory comments concerning Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement issued by the convener of the group, Austine Dafe, and the publicity secretary, Kunle Olaosebikan, the group expressed concern over what it described as rising cyberbullying and reputational attacks within Nigeria’s digital space, warning that unverified allegations could have serious legal consequences.

The group emphasised that while freedom of expression remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy, it must be exercised within the confines of the law.

According to the group, public commentary or allegations capable of damaging an individual’s reputation must be supported by credible and verifiable evidence, especially when disseminated on digital platforms with wide public reach.

“Freedom of speech does not extend to cyberbullying, defamation, or the dissemination of unverified allegations capable of damaging reputations,” Dafe stated, adding that digital platforms must not become arenas for character attacks without due process.

The group stressed that individuals with significant online influence carry both legal and moral responsibilities, noting that statements capable of lowering a person’s standing in the eyes of right-thinking members of society could amount to actionable defamation.

It called on Otse to immediately cease and desist from further publication or repetition of statements deemed defamatory against Tinubu.

The organisation also demanded a full public retraction of any statements not supported by credible and demonstrable evidence, alongside a formal apology to be issued through the same platforms where the alleged comments were circulated.

The group further stated that it reserves the right to pursue all legal remedies available under Nigerian law, including civil proceedings and claims for damages, should the alleged defamatory conduct persist.

While clarifying that its action was not intended to suppress lawful criticism or democratic participation, the group maintained that accountability in public commentary strengthens democracy and urged stronger enforcement of existing cybercrime and defamation laws to safeguard personal dignity in the digital space.